Do you underline the name of a poem in an essay?

As an expert in literature and academic writing, I often encounter questions regarding the proper formatting and citation of works within essays and papers. When it comes to the presentation of a poem's title within an academic context, the rules can vary depending on the style guide one is following. The Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) are two of the most commonly used style guides in academic writing, and they each have their own set of rules for formatting titles of works.
Step 1: English Answer
In general, the title of a poem is typically enclosed in quotation marks when it is mentioned within the text of an essay. This is because poems are considered short works, and the use of quotation marks helps to distinguish them from longer works such as books, which are usually italicized. However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly when dealing with longer poetic works that are closer in length to a novel.
For instance, if you are discussing an epic poem such as John Milton's "Paradise Lost" or Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy," these titles are often italicized or underlined instead of being placed in quotation marks. This is because these works, while still technically poems, are of significant length and complexity, and their presentation is often treated more like that of a book title.
When citing a poem within the text of your essay, it is also important to follow the citation format prescribed by your chosen style guide. Both MLA and APA formats recommend using parenthetical citations to reference the source of the poem. This typically includes the author's last name and the page number where the poem can be found. For example, in MLA format, a citation for a poem might look like this: (Smith 24). In APA format, it might be formatted slightly differently, such as (Smith, 2019, p. 24).
It is worth noting that the rules for formatting titles can sometimes vary between different editions of the same style guide, so it is always a good idea to consult the most recent version of the guide you are using to ensure that you are following the correct guidelines. Additionally, if you are writing for a specific class or publication, it is possible that your instructor or editor may have specific preferences or requirements for how titles should be formatted, so be sure to check for any such instructions.
In conclusion, when including the title of a poem in an essay, it is generally enclosed in quotation marks unless the poem is a novel-length epic, in which case it may be italicized or underlined. Parenthetical citations are used to reference the poem within the text, and the specific format for these citations will depend on the style guide you are following. Always consult the most recent version of your chosen style guide and any specific instructions provided by your instructor or editor to ensure that your formatting is correct.
Step 2: Divider

Put quotation marks around the poem's title unless it is a novel-length epic poem, such as "Paradise Lost" or "The Divine Comedy." In that case, italicize or underline the title. Cite the poem with a parenthetical citation if you are using MLA or APA format.Jun 13, 2017